Endometrial Cancer at 22 yrs. old?

luvkeisha22 · 08-07-2008, 06:52 PM

Hey Everyone!
Well this is my first time on the forum and I'm excited that I'm able to share my story with other women that have been and are still going thru the things that I am.
With that being said, it all started about 8,9 years ago when I was 12 almost 13 years old when I finally became a "woman". Oh, how happy me & my mom were! My period was very irregular where I would only "flow" every 3 months for 7 days straight (heavy cramping) instead of every 28 days, but I had learned in school that sometimes it takes a while for a girl's period to become "regular" so I thought that everything was fine. But months and months passed and my period never became "regular". When I turned 15 years old, it stopped coming COMPLETELY!
Like every teenage girl (well at least every one I knew at the time), I thought it was a blessing! No more cramping, bloating, fatigue...thank you Jesus! When 1 whole year had passed ( yeah I know I waited a long time) and I still had no period, I began to get a little worried. I FINALLY told my mom and we went to the doctor's. My doctor asked if I was pregnant. I told her "it would have to be by immaculate conception b/c I am a virgin!"(and still am

The little heifer didn't believe me and she even made me take a pregnancy test! Without doing any other tests or exams, she told me it wasn't too serious an issue, to lose weight and stay away from carbs. Very insightful, right?
It still didn't sit too well with me, but I was only 16 so I figured "the doctor knows best". I didn't take things seriously even though there was something in the back of my mind telling me something wasn't right. After letting 2 more years pass and still no period, I decided to get serious and to take matters into my own hands to find out why my period suddenly vanished. I searched the web and came across PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). I read up on it and its symptoms and something just *clicked*. I knew I had PCOS (unfortunately)! To make a long story short...when I was 18 I went to a gynecologist and explained to her my issues and that I suspected PCOS. She stupidly told me that PCOS was not common. She then had me go get lab work done, checked my thyroids and had me do an abdominal ultrasound. She tried to do a pap smear, but b/c of my viriginity she stopped the procedure early. (?) All of the tests that I did do came back normal so I was given 1 Provera prescription to take for 10 days. After the 10 days, my period came. That was it. I was told to lose weight and I would be alright.
Now, 4 years later (22 years old) and 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with PCOS. All tests (bloodwork, abdominal & transvaginal ultrasounds, pap smear) came back normal. I had no cysts on my ovaries. But my new doctor explained that cysts don't have to be present on your ovaries for you to have PCOS. My PCOS stems from multiple hormonal imbalances (Estrogen, LH). Right now, I am on Provera 10mg which I take two weeks at a time.
There is one more test that my gynecologist wants to administer and I am SOOO nervous. She wants me to get an endometrial biopsy done next week! My doc has explained that my chances of having endometrial cancer are VERY slim, but I can't help but to be a little nervous. Its been basically 7 years since I've had my period without the help of Provera and to me, that makes my chances just a little higher.

I would really like anyone's feedback on this situation. I'm nervous!

meg1991 · 08-09-2008, 01:18 PM

I would try not to worry too much. At your age you should be fine. Even at the Seven year missed period. Did they do an internal ultrasound or just the kind that they roll around your pelvic area? If they did use the internal "wand" as they call it then they should have measured the lining of the uterus. That is when they can tell if your lining is thick or average. If it is thick (a certain number) then that is when they get concerned. because the uterine wall needs to shed if it does not get that chance then it builds up and can cause cancer cells to grow. This takes not only absent mences but age is a factor. I would listen to your doctor and believe that your chances are slim. I would go get the biopsy as soon as you can so you can get it off your mind. Start taking care of your PCOS and make sure you get your periods. You really only need 4 periods a year to prevent Endometrial cancer ( 12 would be best) Be sure to eat right and excursive. The key to this disease is diet. Avoid white flour , low carb and sugars. Eat leafy green veggies, kale, swiss chard and collard greens and yams and butternut squash are great! I have trouble getting my periods and when I eat those things and drink dandilion root tea it helps to regulate them. Good luck with your test! You will be fine!
Meg
age 39
Diagnosed at 22 yrs old PCOS
Uses Alternative med to treat PCOS

luvkeisha22 · 08-11-2008, 05:33 PM

Thank you soooo much Meg!
I didn't think anyone would respond

But anywho, I"m scheduled to do the biopsy next week, so I'll keep you updated (if you don't mind). They did do a transvaginal ultrasound (internal) and if my memory serves me correct, gyno said it was okay. (?) I can't really remember if those were her exact words, but.... Until the biopsy, I'm trying my best to eat healthier. That's one of my biggest problems. Its not that I don't want to be healthy and eat healthy, it's just that I'm not really knowledgable on the foods that are good for me and secondly, I just simply dislike a lot of the healthy foods that are out there! (LOL) But again, I'm trying to push past my "picky palate" and broaden my culinary horizons! For 2 weeks now, I have been restricting myself to healthy eating, and I seem to be fluctuating in my weight and I'm getting frustrated! I guess I'm STILL not eating the right things?! I am the heaviest I have ever been (weight) right now. I'm only 5'2" and I weigh ridiculously between 225-230 lbs. (but I hold it well...considering

I was hoping when I went back to the doctor's I'd "WOW" her with a considerable amount of weight loss. What a joke, huh?!

Do you have any other dieting tips that you can share with me? Or any websites that cater to women with PCOS that are trying to lose weight? I'd really appreciate it!

Peace & God's Love,
Keisha

meg1991 · 08-12-2008, 09:46 AM

Hi Keisha, I would be happy to see how you make out with your test. I am always up to talking. : ) The ultra sound is good that they did and Like I said before at your age you should be fine. You just need to get at least 4 periods a year. I think the first thing that you have to ask yourself is what is that you eat that you think is adding the weight and how much? White flour and sugar is bad. Having it once in awhile is ok but special occasions. You are probably insulin resistant. Do you have facial hair? Do you know your hormone levels? Hi testosterone? All those things ....certain carbs and sugar and too many of them just feed the disease. I know I saw a story on here that talked about certain foods that you should eat for PCOS. NOt sure where it is now but I bet you could find a book or it on the internet. Also, dandilion root tea is good to regulate your periods. do some research on how much and when. I would suggest looking up the use of apple cider vinegar. Bragg is a great brand. It helps you lose weight...speeds up the metabolism. You take a certain amount before each meal. With that and cutting back carbs you should lose weight. Also walking at least 20-30 mins a day to start out then some other excurcise would be good. But just walking does wonders! Getting your weight down will help control and manage your PCOS. Believe me.... 17 years with this I know LOL
God Bless you!
meg~

Kalyn · 08-12-2008, 10:11 AM

I would go almost a year each time without a period also. And I am back to not having periods. In December I had a endometrial biopsy done. Basically what it is an more in depth pap smear. Did they tell you to take some Ibuprofen before you came in? I had some pain pills at the time that I was taking for severe endometriosis pain and she had to me take some ibuprofen. She explained everything to me, what "tools" she was going to use and it was over in less than a minute. A little pain, but the pain I was in to begin with was SO much worse. And my test came back fine. Please do keep us updated.

luvkeisha22 · 08-15-2008, 12:25 PM

Hey ladies! Thanks again for the helpful tips! I definitely have to get my body back in good shape and any help is appreciated.

I will be going on the 19th for the biopsy. Kalyn, my doctor did tell me to take some Motrin 2 hours beforehand. She also prescribed some Cytotec for me to take the night before the biopsy to open up my cervix. I'm no longer scared of the results! I'm determined to get healthy and stay that way!!

As far as exercise, I don't run ANYwhere! { lol } Unless of course my life is in danger. Or if there is a spider in the premises or maybe a wild animal of some sort. But I don't mind walking 20-30 minutes as you suggested Megg { lol }. I actually LOVE to walk. I just haven't in a while because I've gotten a little lazy. I am ALWAYS tired! At one point I thought I had chronic fatigue syndrome! {lol}. But anywho ladies, I have a busy weekend ahead of me, so I won't be back on with an update until the day of my biopsy which is this coming Tuesday.
May you both have a lovely, safe weekend!

With God's Love,
Keisha

luvkeisha22 · 08-19-2008, 01:33 PM

Hello There Ladies!!

Well, I just got back from the doctor's office. I'm telling you, PCOS is no joke!
Here's the story:
My doctor prescribed that the night before my endometrial biopsy that I take Cytotec to open up my cervix as well as Motrin 2 hours before the procedure. I did as I was told. But ladies, I was SOOO NERVOUS!!! I brought my mommy along for support! {lol} See, the thing is I have somewhat of a "complex" when it comes to pain and the genital area. When women talk about giving birth and things like that, it makes me a little queasy! Not to mention that one of my friends who has had a biopsy before told me that I would experience a LOT of pain during and after the procedure so that made me even MORE nervous! So anywho, I was sitting nervously on the table when my lovely doctor ( she's the best! ) came in with the nurse. She explained to me what was about to go down and I was mentally trying to brace myself for it. You all know the routine. I laid back, scooted down, put the legs in the stirrups. My doctor was explaining everything as she went along and then....I don't know what happened! I've had a pap smear before, but to me this time, the pain was a little bit more unbearable and we had to cut the procedure short. I actually cried! I was so embarrassed! I blame it on my hormones being jacked up! (lol) My gyno then proceeded to comfort me with a hug and assure me that everything was okay and that it wasn't REALLY necessary for me to get the procedure done because of my age and because it is a very slim chance that my estrogen levels could change and cause cancer. My weight was the only reason why she wanted the procedure done. I cried about being overweight too! I was miserable! ( Darn that PCOS & diarrayed emotions! ) She also told me that judging by what she saw of my cervix, the pills didn't really do much anyway so she probably would have had to stop anyway.
After, I calmed down a bit, we talked about me getting on a diet and excercising. I have been trying lately ( I did lose 2 pounds! LOL ), but not hard enough. I AM REALLY determined now ladies! Doctor Patel gave me some very helpful tips and told me to continue taking the Provera until the weight comes down and my period begins to flow on its own. In the end, I think my nervousness was mental more than anything. I look back on it and realize it was NOT that serious! But oh well. Today marks the start of a brand new ME! I'm going to start a blog on here detailing my journey to weight loss with PCOS, so check me out and I'll keep you all updated.
'Til next time...

Peace & God's Love,
.:Keisha:.